Conservative or Liberal, Deist or Pagan, Jersey transplant or Lehigh Valley native, we're all in this mess together. Let's talk. Let us do no harm. Today's one-liner: "The shortest way to the distinguishing excellence of any writer is through his hostile critics." Richard LeGallienne

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Tuesday, January 05, 2016

Breslin Installed as President of Bethlehem Tp Board

Two Commissioners who were absent when the 2016 Budget was adopted by a bare quorum last month, have been elected President and Vice President of the Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners.

Pat Breslin, who missed five of 22 meetings in 2015, was elected President over Tom Nolan in a 3-2 vote at the reorganization meeting conducted on January 4. Breslin was nominated by Michael Hudak, and newcomer Kim Jenkins voted to support him. Malissa Davis, the other new member, supported Nolan.

Two of the three Democrats on Bethlehem Township's Board, Jenkins and Hudak, voted to install a tea party member as President.

Hudak, who missed three meetings and walked out of a fourth, was elected Vice President by Breslin and Jenkins. Davis supported Tom Nolan.

Judge Sletvold administers oath to Tom Nolan.

Hudak then suggested appointing former Commissioner Paul Weiss to a vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board over Tom Nolan's objection that the Board was failing to follow its normal procedure of seeking interested parties. Nolan also complained that Weiss' attendance on the Recreation Board, where he is an appointed member, has been "somewhat lacking." Weiss was appointed by a 3-2 vote with the support of Hudak, Breslin and Jenkins.

Solicitor Jim Broughal cautioned that Weiss is required by law to resign from the Recreation Board, and Weiss agreed to do so.

Davis, Jenkins and Nolan were administered the oath at the beginning of the meeting by Judge Jennifer Sletvold, a Bethlehem Township resident herself who at one time was a member of the Zoning hearing Board. At that time, in what I admit was a cheap shot, I made fun of her designer glasses, which she apparently bought at a Dollar Store. She reminded me of that transgression last night, but I told her that was my evil twin, not me.

I took no damn oath.

With her son behind her, Malissa Davis is sworn into office by Judge Jennifer Sletvold

Though I'm biting my tongue at this vote, I've resolved to take no shots at the newcomers for their first few meetings.

Has he proposed any ideas as commissioner in the last two years. No! His involvement in the board had been minimal at most. Now add in two newbies that are clueless about "real issues". Oh they will be ok with the meetings and voting on the same old same old agenda items. But Bethlehem township has many issues that are deeply rooted and some major gardening is in order. Now with the group that's in there ---sad sad day. I worry for it's future. It was comical listening to Breslin fumble through the agenda last night. He reads a resolution, Broughal comments on it first and Patty doesn't even ask for a vote and starts reading the next resolution. Oh and then there is Miscounting votes. Hey pat - there is only five commissioners, it shouldn't be that hard to count. 1-2-3-4-5! Can wait for pat to miss his next meeting and have Hudak run a meeting. That should be really interesting. The odds are between now and the end of March for the amount of meetings missed---- the latest line on that is 2.

anonymous 7:38knucklehead, he missed 5 of 22 meetings not missed 22. so you just comment to bitch is that it? pretty simple math, roughly 20% not 100% looks like you completley missed that call bernie based on your earlier prediction. keep your day job, you suck at trying to be a political analyst. Talked with mike after the meeting and he said things went just as he had planned and couldn't be happier, the people of the township are all that matters not who the president is. hopefully breslins attendance will improve now that he has the position.

@10:39I wouldn't count on Breslin's attendance improving, and I'm sure that's what Hudak is counting on as well. There's just not enough time to berate and vilify those he disagrees with, and govern. Or, maybe he can't seem to find his way from his reported "residence" just down the street, to the municipal building.

I deleted a disgusting comment aimed at Judge Sletvold. As an elected and public official, I am going to allow people to post all kinds of hate. But I am not going to allow misogyny or baseless attacks on a person's moral character.

@12:41,He can't buddy up with Nolan, they're like oil and water. Davis is a Green Pond supporter, so there's no chance she's going to believe there are waterfowl on Hudak's roof (bats in his belfry...maybe). Jenkins is a Bulldogs person, and we all know how much Mike loves the Bulldogs. When you're faced with those choices, you pick the path of least resistance.

It will be an interesting year in the Township. The President supposedly lives in Buck County. I wonder what rent he pays to Abe for his"residence" in the yellow house. I wonder what he uses for his address on his driver's license and tax returns. Maybe he will show up at meetings. It will be interesting to see how Kim votes when the Bulldogs are before the Board. She should recuse herself for anything that discusses funding from the Township.Melissa will be okay. At least she has been attending meetings before beng elected. I think you will find she votes against TOA when it comes up again.Mike and Tom are still at each other's throats. What a shame for the Township

The public was only given two weeks' notice of the ZHB vacancy before a submittal deadline for letters of interest. Seems a little short to me. Especially since most people don't look at the Township every week, let alone two weeks before Christmas.

Inside shenanigans again orchestrated by Hudak. Melissa Davis seconded the motion, but then Nolan interjected his thoughts about his disapproval of Paul and when it came time to vote Melissa Davis voted no. It's refreshing to see that you took the time to understand the issues and Just didn't rubberstamp something.Township citizens keep a close watch because it's only going to get worse

The two newbies will figure out real quick what an asshole Hudak is. Hearing him is one thing. Dealing with him is another. They will have to deal with him, I just hope they can maintain their sanity. Look how fast he got Weiss in there. He would give mayor Ed a run for his money in back door politics.